Pawzitive Dog Training

14/04/2026

13/11/2024

TRIGGER STACKING – WHEN BEHAVIOUR HAPPENS “OUT OF THE BLUE”

We’ve all had those days when nothing seems to go right and one frustrating thing after another happens to us, leaving us feeling wound up, stressed and ready to explode at the next unsuspecting person who dares to ask us something.

This “unsuspecting” person may think we have a serious behaviour problem or need anger management therapy, when the truth is that we’ve just had a really bad day or even a few bad days and don’t usually behave like this at all.

Dogs are no different and a behaviour that seems completely out of character or happens “out of the blue” is often caused by “trigger stacking”.

A trigger may be anything that increases a dog’s stress levels and has a negative impact on their emotional, mental or physical state.

These may be small things that we may not even notice or seem insignificant to us, but they are all adding to an increasing “stack” of events that may culminate in out of character behaviour.

When stress levels reach a certain point, the next stressful event, however small, may cause an explosive reaction that is completely unexpected.

Instead of just focusing on a particular behaviour and seeing it as a problem that needs to be prevented, take a step backwards, look at the bigger picture, look at events, circumstances or environmental factors that may have played a role leading up to that behaviour.

Being aware of potential stressors and allowing your dog time to decompress, relax and unwind for a few days will often mean the difference between “normal behaviour” and a behaviour that seems completely out of character.

17/08/2023

26/07/2023

LET ME BE “NOSEY”
Imagine going on a long-anticipated walk, through beautiful scenery, after you have been cooped up in the same place all day, but you have been fitted with a blind fold and are being dragged along at a quick pace. I imagine that this is how dogs feel when we don’t allow them time to stop and sniff the environment. Dogs largely perceive their world through scent and it’s how they collect and process information and make sense of the world. Taking away an opportunity for sniffing on a walk is not in their best interests and as much as physical exercise is important, the mental stimulation that sniffing provides is equally, if not more important.
Studies have shown that allowing dogs to spend time sniffing provides so many benefits – promoting calmness, lowering stress and anxiety levels, lowering pulse rates, preventing cognitive decline and providing mental stimulation and enrichment are just some examples.
Make time for a slow “sniffing walk”, where your dog is allowed to decide which direction to go and allowed to simply be “nosey” and follow wherever their nose leads them. It may take far more time and patience as we wait for them to finish smelling that blade of grass, but the benefits are well worth it.

20/06/2023

Just because a dog behaves differently for a dog trainer, doesn't mean the behaviour change is healthy or new learning.

It can mean that the dog is hiding how they feel because they are intimidated through force.

Force-based training can have profound negative effects on dogs who are reacting with anxiety and fear. Just like humans, dogs experience a physiological and emotional response when faced with fear-inducing situations. When subjected to forceful training methods that suppress their natural fear responses, dogs can suffer significant harm to their well-being.

Forcing a reactive and fearful dog to confront their fears without the ability to escape or protect themselves creates a distressing internal environment. The dog's physiological systems may be thrown into disarray. Their digestive system may slow down, leading to gastrointestinal issues. Their immune system may become compromised, making them more susceptible to illnesses. The dog's entire physiology can be disrupted as their body tries to cope with the overwhelming stress.

Moreover, force-based training can have detrimental effects on the dog's mental and emotional state. By inhibiting their natural fear responses, these methods prevent the dog from expressing their anxiety and seeking safety. This can lead to heightened levels of anxiety, increased fear, and a sense of helplessness. The dog's brain may even shut down as a protective mechanism, as they are unable to defend themselves or find an escape route.

In essence, force-based training exacerbates the turmoil experienced by dogs who are already reacting with anxiety and fear. It perpetuates a cycle of distress, hindering their ability to cope, learn, and overcome their fears in a healthy manner. This approach disregards the dog's emotional well-being and can have long-lasting negative consequences on their behaviour, trust, and overall quality of life.

It is essential to prioritise compassionate and ethical training methods for dogs with anxiety and fear-based reactions. By providing a safe and supportive environment, employing positive reinforcement, and allowing dogs to express their emotions and seek comfort, we can help them build confidence, develop coping mechanisms, and ultimately work towards overcoming their fears in a healthier and more sustainable way.

Learn how to do this with Canine Principles here: https://www.canineprinciples.com/course/online-dog-course-reactive-scared-dog